Saturday, August 20, 2011

Antique Odd Fellows Masks by Tops Design
I find the whole fuckery of masons in the US interesting. These institutions, in which many were built on the foundation of patriarchy, classism, racism and marginalization, are absolutely fascinating. The symbology, so much of it taken from the Moorish, North Africa and "Middle East" is represented so often. I am obsessed with decoding and admiring these amazing adornments produced around these societies.

Antique Masonic Estate Pin by Hudson Estate
Within themselves the masons have a class system as well, it. to me is not apparent to many, but there was certainly a system of levels and portrayal to have the masses of working class think they too could participate in this system.
In my work I seek to deconstruct the negative patriarchy and create with the secret society miscellany a beautiful explosion for women especially, fashion and expression using those sacred ethnic symbols.

The Hand of fatima Etsy Shop

The Curious Dr. Blume

About Me

Mariam Aryai Rivera is my name...and these are the tales of a jewelery designer chasing antiques, children and dreams. Welcome, I wish I could offer you a warm cup of tea with honey, and play us some sweet tunes.
I'm from New York City, I design and handcraft jewelry for those intrigued by the past, its stories, people and secrets. All my work is created in a loving environment across from one of the oldest, historic, Victorian cemeteries in the city, that was founded as a result of overcrowding dead bodies in the downtown burial grounds from typhoid, cholera and smallpox. I'm sure this coincidence has influence on my aesthetic a bit. All my work is crafted from antique and vintage elements and are one of a kind or with few exceptions, extremely limited edition. My environmental policy is clear I hope- reduce, reuse, rejuvenate. xoxox